To ensure the Gippsland Red Meat Conference meets the needs of its audience, it selects an advisory group made up of meat producers, meat industry representatives and members of the Gippsland Agricultural group (which runs the conference).
That group advises organisers of the topics it sees as most relevant to producers’ needs.
Let’s meet one of this year’s new additions to that advisory group.
MATT LLOYD
Matt Lloyd came from a farming background, but to his dismay, the family farm was sold.
Like many of his generation he sought a tertiary education, after which he forged a career in the burgeoning world of internet advertising. That career saw him live the fast life, working long hours in Melbourne, Sydney and London, developing an internet-specific advertising business.
It was only when he met his partner Bec, who also had come from a farming background, but had built a career outside farming, that the couple seriously entertained the idea of returning to agriculture.
In 2019, just before COVID struck, the pair purchased a farm in Yinnar.
Keen to upskill themselves, they both attended the 2022 Gippsland Red Meat Conference in Bairnsdale and were exposed to new business ideas, including grazing charts, succession planning and improved genetics. Having both partners attend allowed each to choose a topic close to their heart and then debrief the other later with what they had learnt.
So impressed was Matt by what he learnt at the 2022 conference, when the chance came to join the advisory group for this year’s conference, he leapt at the chance. His enthusiasm and fresh perspective have seen him being a valuable contributor to the advisory group and the program for this year’s conference is all the better for his involvement.
Surrounding himself with other producers he sees as “at the top of their game” within the advisory group, has brought lasting benefits to his own enterprise as well.
Along with Matt, the current GRMC advisory group consists of:
– Rowan Paulet, a sheep, cattle and cropping producer from Flynn who is on the board of GAgG
– Dave Caldwell, a beef and lamb producer from Lindenow South, who is also on the GAgG board
– Hannah Sturgiss, Rabobank area manager who lives in Sale
– Anthony Snow, a cattle farmer and cropper from Bengworden
– Angus Zilm, a beef and fodder producer from Llowalong
– Amy Rogers from Gelantipy, where she produces beef and lamb
– Darren Hickey, project leader for the BetterBeef Network, run by Agriculture Victoria
– Kaylene Wickham, Agribusiness Development Officer with the East Gippsland Shire
– Craig Bush, sheep and cattle farmer from Meerlieu
– Jen Smith, General Manager of GAgG
– Nicole White, Event Manager for GRMC and Chief Financial Officer of GAgG
Gippsland Agricultural Group is excited to return with the 2025 Gippsland Red Meat Conference, bringing the red meat industry together to tackle the big questions of “what can I do now, what can I do next and what can I do later”, to make improvements in my farming enterprise.
“This conference offers a mix of expert advice, practical solutions, and inspirational stories designed to help you build resilience and improve profitability,” event manager Nicole White said.
“Whether you’re looking to enhance sustainability, optimise your livestock health, or rethink your marketing strategy, this event provides the answers.
“A heartfelt thank you to our volunteer advisory group for their invaluable input and suggestions in shaping this year’s conference. Their expertise and dedication are the foundation of the conference’s success, ensuring we deliver a meaningful and impactful event for the red meat industry.”
Tickets go on sale Monday, December 16, at 9am via Humanitix.
Nicole suggests you book early to avoid disappointment.
